Haiti: Foreign national kidnapped for ransom in Port-au-Prince area June 8

Event

Officials have announced that a 32-year-old Chilean missionary was kidnapped while driving in the Port-au-Prince area June 8, and that his wife has since received a demand for USD 100,000 in exchange for his release. The abduction occurred when at least two armed men intercepted the victim's vehicle; the victim was with his young daughter and pleaded with the kidnappers to release the child, which they did before absconding with him.

Context

The threat of kidnapping in Haiti is high, fueled by the presence of heavily armed gangs and the poor economic and security situations in the country, amid which gangs are attempting to force the resignation of the prime minister. Although kidnappers are most likely to target locals, foreign nationals are also targets. The most common types of kidnapping in Haiti include basic, opportunistic kidnapping for ransom, express kidnapping, and virtual kidnapping. Foreign victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly; however, local victims face a threat of injury or death during confinement. The kidnapping threat is most acute in Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of vigilance in the Port-au-Prince area due to the threat of attacks and kidnappings. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly. If operating in the area in the long term, vary routes and times of travel and ensure the use of secure transport. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.